> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ruler.nl/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ruler.nl/tasks/creating-a-task.md).

# Creating a task

Tasks turn a finding into assigned, dated work. You can create one from almost any page in Ruler.

Tasks are how work gets assigned and tracked in Ruler. A task has one or more executors, a start date, a deadline and a priority, and it remembers where it came from: the alert, topic, radar item, risk or control measure it was created from.

## Linked and generic tasks

There are two kinds of task, created in two places:

* A **linked task** is created from the page of the item it concerns, using the **Create task** button on that page. The task is linked to that item, and the link is visible on both sides.
* A **generic task** is not linked to anything. Create it with the **plus** button at the top right of any page, or from the Tasks and Monitoring agenda pages.

Wherever you start, the form is the same.

<figure><img src="https://3147355061-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6EN6kULBhEjCcyc8iw1L%2Fuploads%2FU8cJl6qateG5xiEcrRBv%2Ftask-create-form.png?alt=media&amp;token=110007d1-0558-47c4-87d6-b9bc677c8cfd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Creating a task linked to an alert</p></figcaption></figure>

## The task form

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Check what the task is linked to

The **Task linked to** box at the top of the form shows the item the task will be linked to. For a generic task the box stays empty.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose a template, if you use them

If your administrator has created [task templates](/administration/task-templates.md), pick one here. The template's subtasks are loaded into the task, so everyone follows the same steps for the same kind of work. Skip this if you do not need a template.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Describe the task

Give the task a short description, and add notes if more context is needed.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Assign the executors

The task is assigned to you by default. To add a colleague, click the **plus** next to **Executor(s)** and select them; they receive an e-mail. A task can have several executors. To take someone off the task, click their initials and choose **Delete from task**.

You can only assign tasks to other Ruler users; to assign someone outside your department, your administrator can add them to the department as a passive user.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set dates, repetition and priority

Set a start date, a deadline, whether the task repeats (for example quarterly or annually), and its priority (low, moderate or high).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add tags

Tags make tasks easy to find and filter later. Type the tag and click **Add** in the dropdown. There are no tags by default; once you have created one, Ruler offers it in the dropdown from then on.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not press Enter in the tag field: it saves the form.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Decide whether it belongs on the monitoring agenda

Tick **Include this task in the monitoring agenda** if the task is a monitoring activity. Tasks with this tick appear in the [Monitoring agenda](/monitoring/monitoring-agenda.md) as well as in All tasks. Tasks without it appear only in All tasks.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save

The task is now visible on the item it is linked to and in [All tasks](/tasks/all-tasks.md).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}